Maria Valente De Almeida E Silva

My name is Maria Valente De Almeida E Silva, I am a 24 year old actress and petite and commercial model. I am half Portuguese and half South African. I have always wanted to be an actress and a model, many doors were closed for me because I am not the height of a conventional model, but I knew that this is what I am supposed to be doing so I kept on pushing. I completed my degree in Acting at Stellenbosch University, and then went on to my honours in media and video production. 

I gave up on my modelling dreams and focused on my acting, but I kept getting modelling jobs and I could see that there was a reason that God placed this passion in my heart. So my main mission now is to follow God's plan for me and that's how I know that in whatever I am called to do I will succeed. It's hard work but nothing worth having comes easily. I love dancing, presenting and spending time and interacting with children. I have a passion for the youth, because I feel that they are the future.

There are many things I would still like to do, such as travel, but I know that I will get there when the time is right, for now my goal is to help our country to grow and flourish the way it should. South Africans don’t always see the potential in our country and how far we have actually come, because instead on focusing on the positive we focus on the negative. I am a bubbly, friendly, loving and caring person who strives to do the best in any field I am put into.

I am also a fashion lover, I love trying new styles and putting my own twist to it. My main thing to remember with regards to fashion is stay true to who you are, never change who you are to fit the time, take the styles and make it work for you.

Instagram @mermaidmariri